Considering testosterone or TRT? You might not want to rely on standard medical care and bloodwork to make that decision.
The decline in average male testosterone levels is a complex issue with no single cause. In our modern era, the go-to solution often seems to be prescription exogenous testosterone or TRT. Administered usually as Cypionate, patients inject this 1-2 times a week to elevate their testosterone levels to normal or above average. While some experience increased energy and muscle mass, others struggle with side effects and find the injections burdensome, failing to reap the promised benefits of this so-called male health elixir.
"Longevity" clinics are increasingly prescribing this treatment, often justified by any total testosterone score under 300. However, the first issue lies with the test itself. Bloodwork provides a snapshot, seeking anomalies or deviations from the norm. It can be easily manipulated, intentionally or not, as testosterone levels are highly sensitive to sleep, diet, and stress. Low testosterone is not a disease but a chronic disorder indicating underlying issues that exogenous use merely conceals. In fact, introducing exogenous testosterone can reduce or atrophy the patient's natural production, making testosterone injections a lifelong necessity. To mitigate this, additional medications like aromatase inhibitors and LH antagonists are often prescribed.
While this approach may work for some, in our practice, we believe that traditional bloodwork doesn't provide sufficient information to make such a significant and irreversible decision. The repercussions of discontinuing testosterone can exacerbate symptoms, taking years to return to even low normal levels. It's common for individuals to report never feeling the same, sometimes even worse.
The decline in testosterone levels is a multifaceted issue that requires a holistic approach, not a quick fix. It's essential to consider the long-term implications and potential side effects before opting for such treatments. Could there be a more natural, sustainable way to address this issue?
These are actual Dutch Test results from a client revealing the beta pathway. If he was low/normal and exhibiting low T, an ordinary blood test might warrant TRT, but no amount of exogenous testosterone will help, and in most cases will antagonize the problem. We need to address the fundamental cause, and each protocol is specific to the individual.
When faced with low testosterone levels, we advocate for a more comprehensive approach than traditional bloodwork. A prime example is the Dutch Plus test. Rather than providing a total number to justify prescribing exogenous testosterone, it offers a detailed view of how the client metabolizes testosterone and how it interacts with their hormonal system. This test uses dry urine and saliva analysis throughout a day, providing a dynamic picture of what's happening in the body. It also highlights lifestyle factors that can be adjusted to address the root cause of symptoms, such as providing precise data on the adrenal system.
We've seen significant success in restoring normal, and even supra-normal, testosterone levels without resorting to exogenous intervention. This is achieved by addressing the factors that balance your entire system. With this approach, we avoid the need for multiple interventions or a stack of prescription medications. Our goal isn't merely to manipulate a number on a spreadsheet, but to help our clients feel their best. This can only be achieved through a holistic and multifaceted approach.
Even if you opt for exogenous testosterone, the Dutch Plus test can identify metabolic pathways that may need correction to ensure the testosterone you take is properly converted and doesn't simply exacerbate estrogen levels. Most lifestyle-induced testosterone suppression converts into 5 beta-androstanediol. This could be due to sleep cycles, dietary choices, environmental stressors like microplastics, and endocrine-disrupting toxins commonly found in household cleaning products. Making a few simple, effective changes based on comprehensive functional test feedback can yield compounding results by addressing the fundamental reasons for deficiency.
If you have any questions about this or any other tests we offer, start with this questionnaire link below and we can help you find the best test and give you the answers to improve your vitality.
